Scholarlink

<p>To explore why swimmers continue to develop ear infections despite chlorinated pools by examining bacterial presence, antibiotic resistance, and swimmer hygiene behaviors. This cross-sectional study recruited 100 regular swimmers (≥ 2&#xa0;times/week) using chlorinated pools in [blinded location], India. Ear swabs were analysed for bacterial growth and antibiotic susceptibility. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on ear hygiene and pool use. Bacteria were detected in 46% of ear swabs. The most common isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (14%) and Pseudomonas spp. (12%). Alarmingly, resistance was high to nalidixic acid (59.1%), cefoxitin (60.5%), and Fosfomycin (58.7%). Regarding hygiene awareness, 93% knew about pool chlorination, 82% reported showering before swimming, yet only 2% were aware of KAP studies. A majority (90%) supported swimmer education programs, and 60% admitted to avoiding swimming when they felt pools were unhygienic. Although most swimmers understand basic pool hygiene, nearly half still carry pathogenic, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This underscores gaps in both pool maintenance and swimmer habits. Strengthening water quality monitoring, promoting hygiene education, and responsible antibiotic practices are essential to reduce ear infection risks among swimmers.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Ear Infections in Swimmers Despite Pool Chlorination with Knowledge, Aptitude and Practice on the Assessment of Infection Control

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月5日

查看全文
  • Garima Wadhwani,
  • Parul Sihag,
  • Gaurav Dalela,
  • Raghav Mehta

摘要

To explore why swimmers continue to develop ear infections despite chlorinated pools by examining bacterial presence, antibiotic resistance, and swimmer hygiene behaviors. This cross-sectional study recruited 100 regular swimmers (≥ 2 times/week) using chlorinated pools in [blinded location], India. Ear swabs were analysed for bacterial growth and antibiotic susceptibility. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on ear hygiene and pool use. Bacteria were detected in 46% of ear swabs. The most common isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (14%) and Pseudomonas spp. (12%). Alarmingly, resistance was high to nalidixic acid (59.1%), cefoxitin (60.5%), and Fosfomycin (58.7%). Regarding hygiene awareness, 93% knew about pool chlorination, 82% reported showering before swimming, yet only 2% were aware of KAP studies. A majority (90%) supported swimmer education programs, and 60% admitted to avoiding swimming when they felt pools were unhygienic. Although most swimmers understand basic pool hygiene, nearly half still carry pathogenic, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This underscores gaps in both pool maintenance and swimmer habits. Strengthening water quality monitoring, promoting hygiene education, and responsible antibiotic practices are essential to reduce ear infection risks among swimmers.